Kid-Friendly Activities in New Orleans: Fun Things to Do

This article highlights 13 family-friendly adventures in New Orleans, a city that offers numerous activities for children and parents alike. Explore options from engaging museums to exciting parks, ensuring a memorable visit for families.

Many tourists don’t think of New Orleans as a place to bring the children, but there are plenty of unique family adventures waiting here in New Orleans — just ask any of the thousands of New Orleans kids who live here year-round. Remember, Bourbon Street is only one street in the city. There are many more that lead to family fun. Read on to find the top picks tried and loved by generations of New Orleans kids.

1. The Audubon Zoo

Audubon Zoo is home to a number of summer camps.

The Audubon Zoo is a world-class facility located in Audubon Park and is easily accessible by streetcar, bus or boat. Its Louisiana Swamp Exhibit is a popular place with locals, who flock to see alligators and nutrias up close. Watch for the Loup Garou (say “loo garoo”), a legendary Cajun swamp monster.

2. The Audubon Insectarium

An employee at the insectarium holding a centipede and showing it a young boy — iBestTravel / Violet Smirnov

Bugs, Bugs, and more Bugs at the Audubon Insectarium. Which kid doesn’t love bugs!

3. The Cool Zoo Water Park

This animal-themed water park is a big hit with kids and parents. Located in the Audubon Zoo, the Cool Zoo has three areas, with one for toddlers and younger kids. There are water slides, including a large alligator. Additionally, a giant spider monkey dumps water, water-spitting snakes, jumping water spouts, and much more. There are also shaded benches for parents to relax.

4. The Aquarium of the Americas

exterior of the aquarium — iBestTravel / Christopher Larson

The Aquarium of the Americas, located at the foot of Canal Street on the Mississippi River, is among the top five aquariums in the nation. It showcases the aquatic life of the Americas. Don’t miss the 400,000-gallon Gulf of Mexico tank.

5. The Louisiana Children’s Museum

Exterior of the Louisiana Children's Museum — iBestTravel / Violet Smirnov

The Louisiana Children’s Museum is located in the Arts District on Julia Street and is a favorite among children of all ages. Here, little ones can shop in a pint-sized grocery store or serve lunch in the cafe. Older children can pilot a life-size tugboat on the Mighty Mississippi.

6. Preservation Hall

Preservation Hall is a funky old building where funky old music reigns supreme.

Preservation Hall, dedicated to the preservation of New Orleans Jazz, has a family-friendly policy of no drinking or smoking, welcoming guests of all ages.

7. City Park

A parent and child walking around a large sculpture in Storyland — iBestTravel / Violet Smirnov

Easily accessible by streetcar from downtown, New Orleans City Park is a 1500-acre park that offers boating, fishing, and nature trails. Two miniature trains tour the park’s perimeter. Take younger children to Storyland, a magical play area featuring 26 nursery rhyme exhibits. You’ll also find an amusement park with a fully restored antique wooden carousel, one of only 100 left in the country.

8. River Boat Rides

Steamboat River Boat Natchez docked on the Mississippi River in New Orleans French quarter — Edwin Remsberg/Getty Images

New Orleans sits on the banks of the Mississippi River. There are several river boats that dock near the foot of Canal Street providing great experiences for families. The Natchez is a real steamboat offering Jazz dinner cruises, while the Creole Queen is a beautiful Paddlewheeler. Both riverboats offer daytime or night cruises suitable for all ages.

9. An Outdoor Kid-Friendly Museum

Imagine enjoying world-class art with your children and not worrying about whether they will touch anything. This beautiful part of New Orleans City Park may change your children’s view of museums. It’s a beautiful setting and accessible art that is inviting and not intimidating to kids.

10. National World War II Museum

Planes inside the WW2 Museum — iBestTravel / Christopher Larson

The National World War II Museum is filled with planes, boats, and items from World War II, along with special programs, making this museum something kids will love.

11. Mardi Gras

If you’re considering Mardi Gras, you might think, “who in their right mind would take a child to Mardi Gras?” However, if you’ve only experienced Bourbon Street, you may not have seen the family-friendly side of this celebration. Mardi Gras offers a vibrant atmosphere that can be one of the best vacations your family ever had.

12. Have Your Own Streetcar Party

A New Orleans Streetcar — Flavio~ / Flickr / CC

There’s a lot of fun to be had in your own streetcar. Decorate it and bring food for a memorable birthday celebration. This is a unique way to mark any special occasion.

13. The French Quarter

A man selling art in the French Quarter — iBestTravel / Vincent Mercer

Bourbon Street is not suitable for children. However, there are other streets in the French Quarter that are great for kids during the day. Streets like Decatur and Royal do not have the rowdy bars found on Bourbon Street. Instead, these areas are home to interesting shops, street performers, artists, and palm-readers.